Nothing I’ve ever done has given me more joys and rewards than being a father to my children.
Family is not an important thing. It’s everything.
If I were hanged on the highest hill, Mother o’ mine, O mother o’ mine! I know whose love would follow me still Mother o’ mine, O mother o’ mine!
As the economy gets worse and many families return to multi-generational households we must remember that successfully forming, blending and combining families and households requires more than love… it requires communication, cooperation, sensitivity and tolerance. What does this have to do with a communist Easter egg hunt?
I’ve had a couple reminders of these family-forming (and transforming) challenges recently thanks to my daughters. If properly handled, the new blended or multi-generational (household) family offers many opportunities to meet or improve everyone’s situation and needs.
While my oldest daughter is considering moving her mother-in-law in and creating a multi-generational household with her new husband, my middle daughter is newly engaged and has already begun negotiations with her fiance on how they intend to raise their children…yeah… she’s much more mature than her dad was at that age.
I recently caught a snippet of conversation between two of my daughters that caught my ear… “they only do communist Easter egg hunts…” As you can imagine this strange statement piqued my interest so I asked my daughter what a communist Easter egg hunt is…
Andrew’s Note: Prepography reader Eduardo was kind enough to provide a Spanish translation for the sample language from our article on creating a Prepper Blood Chit. A Prepper Blood Chit is another way to assure your loved ones make it home safe after a disaster. Thanks Eduardo!
Here’s the Spanish for you…
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FOR DAUGHTERS / FEMALES:
La portadora de este documento (cuya foto aparece en el dorso de esta tarjeta) es mi hija preciosa, [NAME], que ha estado estudiando en la Universidad de [Uni Name]. Ruego que la ayudes con comida, alojamiento, transporte y cualquier otra asistencia adicional que necesite para regresar a casa lo más pronto, y de la forma más segura, posible. Reugo que la trate como si fuera su propia hija.
Todos los que la ayudan a [Name] a regresar a casa serán recompensados. Si puede traerla a [Town & State], le recompensaré con alguno de lo siguiente: $1,000 en efectivo, 20 onzas troya de plata pura (.999) o comida suficiente para dos semanas; usted elige.
Gracias por adelantado por cualquier asistencia que pueda proveer,
SIGNATURE & Name
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FOR SONS / MALES:
El portador de este documento (cuyo foto aparece en el dorso de esta tarjeta) es mi hijo amado, [NAME], que ha estado estudiando en la Universidad de [Uni Name]. Ruego que le ayudes con comida, alojamiento, transporte y cualquier otra asistencia adicional que necesite para regresar a casa lo más pronto, y de la forma más segura, posible. Reugo que le trate como si fuera su propio hijo.
Todos los que le ayudan a [Name] a regresar a casa serán recompensados. Si puede traerle a [Town & State], le recompensaré con alguno de lo siguiente: $1,000 en efectivo, 20 onzas troya de plata pura (.999) o comida suficiente para dos semanas; usted elige.
Gracias por adelantado por cualquier asistencia que pueda proveer,
SIGNATURE & Name
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In Building a Bug Out Bag Part I we discussed why building a Bug Out Bag is important and what type of bag to select. In Part II we discussed the Transportation Items to consider, in Part III it was Water preparedness, in Part IV it was Food preparedness, in Part V we tackled Shelter, Clothing and Protection from the elements, in Part VI we considered Communications options, in Part VII we discussed Security Preparedness, in Part VIII we explored Financial & Identity preparedness and yesterday we in Part IX we discussed Health & Medical considerations for your Bug Out Bag. Today we’ll discuss Family and Community issues to consider while building a Bug Out Bag. Remember, this is your last ditch, carry on your back, walk away from trouble Bug Out Bag…not what you hope you can get to your bug out location if your car, SUV, or Oshkosh TPV makes it.
Today it’s traditional to take a break from the day-to-day and gather with family and friends to count our blessings. We face many challenges individually, as families, and as a nation, but no matter the challenges there are blessings to be counted…I urge you to do so.
Additionally, as you gather today remember that those you choose to spend this day with are likely those that you would gather with in the event of a disaster… for mutual aid, support and even survival. Family and Community Support is essential to preparedness.
Happy Thanksgiving,
Andrew J. Jackson
The love of family and the admiration of friends is much more important than wealth and privilege.
Charles Kuralt
One of Prepography’s readers recently asked “am I too old to prep?”
Before we answer this question let’s consider that maybe it’s better to think of preparedness as a multi-generational journey…the Matriarch or Patriarch takes the lead until they can’t anymore and then they pass the preparedness leadership (Chain of Command) on to the next generation. Preparedness efforts are most effective when they are group, especially family efforts.
This same concept applies if you are new to preparedness. If you are unable to lead your family’s efforts due to age or circumstance… hold a family meeting and choose another to lead the efforts… then help your family and the preparedness leader in every way you can. To return to our ‘journey’ metaphor…you may no longer be driving the bus, but you are along for the ride and can contribute immeasurably to your family’s preparedness in other ways.
Because you are a seasoned citizen you have a lifetime of resources available to help your family’s efforts. Consider your resources and contribute appropriately. Some of the resources you may be able to contribute are: Continue reading